James Chisholm, P.Eng., M.Eng., FEC

Officer of the Order of Honour, 2025 | West Toronto Chapter

For 18 years, James Chisholm has contributed in a significant and wide-ranging way to his local engineering community and to PEO.

Since joining the West Toronto Chapter executive as secretary in 2007, Jim has been an integral part of the chapter, serving as chair, vice-chair and executive member and consistently demonstrating exceptional technical skills, innovative thinking and a passion for engineering. His work organizing educational seminars has not only advanced engagement but also set a benchmark for excellence. Jim is also dedicated to mentoring and supporting fellow volunteers. His ability to inspire and motivate others is a testament to his leadership and commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

At the provincial level, Jim served on PEO Council as a West Central Regional Councillor (2020 – 2022), visiting regional chapters to align communications between PEO HQ, Council and licence holders. He has also served on several committees and task forces, including the Experience Requirements, Regulatory Policy and Legislation, West Central Regional Election and Search, Government Liaison and Volunteer Leadership Conference Planning committees. In 2010, Jim chaired the Sustaining Ontario Centre for Engineering and Public Policy (OCEPP) Task Force.   Also, Jim was a member of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) from 2016 to 2022.

In addition to his PEO volunteer efforts, Jim also founded and organized the Toronto Engineering Club of Speakers (TECS) Toastmaster Club. He was awarded the rank of Distinguished Toastmaster in recognition of advanced communication skills and his commitment to helping fellow engineers improve their communication and leadership skills, fostering a sense of community and growth. James initiated and coordinated fire safety projects for many teams of first year  engineering students. This was part of a  partnership between the UofT's Engineering Strategies and Practices program and Toronto Fire Services. Also, Jim was the Vice President of the Professional Engineers of the Government of Ontario (PEGO) from 2014 to 2016.